Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comAuthor: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC|March 21, 2014
We would like to congratulate Scarinci Hollenbeck attorneys, Ramon E. Rivera and Christina M. Michelson, for successfully representing the Township of West Orange in the Interest Arbitration with the PBA Local 25. This Arbitration Award comes at the heels of the unprecedented agreement reached between the Township and its Fire Unions in April of 2011. During those negotiations, the Fire Unions agreed to contribute to health benefits before the enactment of Chapter 78, which statutorily required public employees to phase-in contribution.
In the recent Award, Arbitrator James Mastriani provided that the parties’ salary proposals were substantially different as the PBA sought a five (5)year contract with a 3% salary increase and the Township proposed a four (4) year contract with a two (2) year salary freeze and two percent (2%) increase for the remaining years. Upon review of the Township’s agreement with the Fire Unions, Arbitrator Mastriani conducted a thorough analysis for parity within the Township’s bargaining units. Arbitrator Mastriani awarded a four year contract and the Township’s salary proposal of 0%, 0%, 2%, and 2%. He also added two (2) additional steps for salary guide for new hires. In addition, Arbitrator Mastriani awarded the PBA a $625 stipend to be paid in 2012 and 2013 so as to mirror the compensation components of the Fire Unions agreements in the most efficient manner.
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Ramon E. Rivera and Christina M. Michelson are members of the firm’s Labor and Employment Law and Public Law groups and are frequent contributors to the firm’s Government & Law Blog.
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comWe would like to congratulate Scarinci Hollenbeck attorneys, Ramon E. Rivera and Christina M. Michelson, for successfully representing the Township of West Orange in the Interest Arbitration with the PBA Local 25. This Arbitration Award comes at the heels of the unprecedented agreement reached between the Township and its Fire Unions in April of 2011. During those negotiations, the Fire Unions agreed to contribute to health benefits before the enactment of Chapter 78, which statutorily required public employees to phase-in contribution.
In the recent Award, Arbitrator James Mastriani provided that the parties’ salary proposals were substantially different as the PBA sought a five (5)year contract with a 3% salary increase and the Township proposed a four (4) year contract with a two (2) year salary freeze and two percent (2%) increase for the remaining years. Upon review of the Township’s agreement with the Fire Unions, Arbitrator Mastriani conducted a thorough analysis for parity within the Township’s bargaining units. Arbitrator Mastriani awarded a four year contract and the Township’s salary proposal of 0%, 0%, 2%, and 2%. He also added two (2) additional steps for salary guide for new hires. In addition, Arbitrator Mastriani awarded the PBA a $625 stipend to be paid in 2012 and 2013 so as to mirror the compensation components of the Fire Unions agreements in the most efficient manner.
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Ramon E. Rivera and Christina M. Michelson are members of the firm’s Labor and Employment Law and Public Law groups and are frequent contributors to the firm’s Government & Law Blog.
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